How long are appointments?

Appointments are either one or two hours long for both the initial evaluation and for subsequent treatment sessions depending on patient need. 2-hour initial evaluations are HIGHLY recommended for most patients, even those with seemingly simple issues. 2 hours allows for a thorough evaluation along with postural assessment and correction, hands-on manual treatment, and exercise prescription. Most patients choose 1-hour follow up sessions.

How do I book and pay for appointments?

All booking and billing is done easily online through Jane App. Click HERE or any of the “Schedule an Appointment” buttons at the top of each of the web pages to schedule and pay for an appointment.

How should I prepare for my first appointment?

Fill out all required paperwork online through our booking portal. Bring with you any referrals, imaging or radiology reports, or other relevant medical information. Arrive at least 5 minutes early in appropriate attire (see below).

What should I wear to my appointments?

Athletic shorts and shirt are ideal to access areas of your body that need treatment, and to assess your alignment and movement patterns. Bring a pair of shoes that you wear frequently so that we can assess the wear patterns.

What happens during my Initial Evaluation?

During your first appointment we will thoroughly review your past medical, movement, and injury history as well as the details surrounding your current issue(s). You will receive a physical evaluation consisting of tests and measures of your mobility, strength, neurological function, movement, and imbalances. A physical therapy diagnosis will be given, and treatment (mobilization, manipulation, massage, myofascial release, stretches, exercise, alignment correction, etc.) will begin. Following sessions will include a progress assessment and more in-depth treatment catered to your specific needs.

Do you take Insurance?

No. Big Bend Physical Therapy is an out-of-network provider. This means we will not bill your insurance, and you are responsible for payment at the time of service. However, we will provide a “Super Bill” on request that you may submit to your insurance provider. Depending on your plan, you may be eligible for reimbursement for a percentage of your bill. You may have to meet your yearly deductible before your insurance will reimburse you. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider for details regarding your specific plan.

What about Medicare?

Big Bend Physical Therapy is not a Medicare provider, and you are not able to submit a superbill to Medicare for reimbursement. If you have Medicare, please call us at (850) 583-6886 before booking an appointment.

Why don’t you take insurance?

Insurance does not generally reimburse at rates that are economically viable for 1 or 2 hours of one-on-one time with a doctor of physical therapy. Due to decreasing reimbursement rates, traditional physical therapy clinics are increasingly forced into seeing more patients at a time (sometimes 4 or more patients at once), and delegating treatment to assistants and technicians. At BBPT you will always have the undivided attention of a highly trained physical therapist for your whole session. Not being bound by the insurance model allows for a much higher quality of care.

What is the rate?

The rate is $150 per hour. Our rate reflects the high level of training and commitment to continuing education at BBPT. We are currently offering a 50% discount on initial evaluations (one-hour new evaluations for $75, and 2-hour new evaluations for $150). The 2-hour session is our best deal and allows for more time for treatment during the first session.

Do you offer a sliding scale?

A percentage of appointments are available each month for those with financial need at a discounted rate. If you would like to be considered for these appointments, please send an email to slidingscale@bigbendpt.com. Please include your most recent tax returns for your household with Social Security numbers removed. If approved you will receive an email with special instructions for booking.

How often should I make appointments?

We aim to get as much done as possible in every session. Your progress and the total course of time you are treated depend on your particular situation, your commitment to your individualized exercise program, your current level of fitness and bodily awareness, and many other factors. Some issues can be resolved in one session, others in 2–5 sessions, others may take longer. Patients generally come once a week to start. Some patients choose to have regular (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, etc.) wellness check-ins or “tune-ups” to keep them performing at a high level in their chosen physical activities and in daily life.

We will recommend a course of treatment based on your unique circumstances, but you are ultimately in charge of deciding your course of treatment.

Do I need a referral from my medical doctor?

Florida currently allows direct access to outpatient physical therapy services for up to 30 days without a physician referral. This means you don’t need a referral to get treatment right away. If your treatment takes longer than 30 consecutive calendar days, you can obtain a referral/prescription for physical therapy from a medical professional, typically your primary care physician, but an MD, DO, PA, NP, Dentist, Podiatrist, or Chiropractor can also write a prescription for physical therapy. Some insurance providers may require a physician referral for physical therapy in order to approve reimbursement, please check with your insurance for details. If you are coming for wellness or performance enhancement sessions you do not need a referral.

How do I change or cancel my appointment?

You can change or cancel your appointment at no charge HERE through the appointment scheduler if done more than 24 hours before your appointment. If you change or cancel fewer than 24 hours before your appointment, or do not show up for your appointment you will be charged a $40 fee. Taking up a slot in the schedule that does not get used prevents other patients who need treatment from being seen, and financial losses cannot be recouped.

Do You Offer Gift Cards?

Yes! Click here to purchase a gift card that can be used for any service we offer. The gift of manual therapy is wonderful for anyone who wants to move and feel better.

Do You Allow Student Observers?

At this time, we are not accepting students for observation hours or clinical rotations.